Aachen cause another upset

Second division TSV Alemannia 1900 Aachen continued their remarkable run in the German Cup, defeating top-flight VfL Borussia Mönchengladbach 1-0 to set up a final meeting with SV Werder Bremen.

Free-kick winner
Midfield player Ivica Grlic scored the only goal of the game three minutes before half-time, converting a free-kick against the run of play to send the lower league side into the final for the third time in their history. Aachen were previously finalists in 1953 and 1965.

UEFA Cup place
Aachen, roared on by over 20,000 fans in their packed little stadium, should qualify for the UEFA Cup whatever the outcome of the final with Werder nine points clear in the Bundesliga and virtually certain to play in the UEFA Champions League next season.

Solid defence
Mönchengladbach dominated the first half and wasted many chances but could not step up a gear after conceding the goal and the second half was more balanced. Aachen, who eliminated holders FC Bayern München in the quarter-finals, held firm in the closing stages for a memorable win.

Dramatic win
Bremen booked their place in the final in Berlin on 29 May by squeezing past another second division side, VfB Lübeck 1919, 3-2 after extra time in Tuesday night's semi-final.